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The Black Dwarf
The Black Dwarf

Chapter II · Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of The Black Dwarf is here in full — 83 sentences across 17 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/16 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Will none but Hearne the Hunter serve your turn?
--MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR.
In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.
The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.
There were, however, found many youth of the country ardently attached to this sport, with all its dangers and fatigues.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Black Dwarf

Chapter II · Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of The Black Dwarf is here in full — 83 sentences across 17 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/16 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Will none but Hearne the Hunter serve your turn?
Line 2
--MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR.
/ˈmeri waɪvz ʌv ˈwɪnzər/
Line 3
In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.
Line 4
The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.
Line 5
There were, however, found many youth of the country ardently attached to this sport, with all its dangers and fatigues.
/ðer wɜːr ˌhaʊˈevər faʊnd ˈmeni juːθ ʌv ðə ˈkʌntri ˈɑːrdəntli əˈtætʃt tuː ðɪs spɔːrt wɪð ɔːl ɪts ˈdeɪndʒərz ənd fəˈtiːɡz/

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

ardently adverb US /ˈɑːrdəntli/

in an ardent manner

From this reading “There were, however, found many youth of the country ardently attached to this sport, with all its dangers and fatigues.”

districts noun US /ˈdɪstrɪkts/

plural of “district” — a region marked off for administrative or other purposes

From this reading “In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.”

fatigues noun US /fəˈtiːɡz/

military uniform worn by military personnel when doing menial labor

From this reading “There were, however, found many youth of the country ardently attached to this sport, with all its dangers and fatigues.”

inaccessible adjective US /ˌɪnəkˈsesəbəl/

capable of being reached only with great difficulty or not at all

From this reading “The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.”

precarious adjective US /priˈkeriəs/

affording no ease or reassurance

From this reading “The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.”

separates noun US /ˈsepəreɪts/

plural of “separate” — a separately printed article that originally appeared in a larger publication

From this reading “In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.”

sheltering verb US /ˈʃeltərɪŋ/

-ing form of “shelter” — provide shelter for

From this reading “The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.”

wastes noun US /weɪsts/

plural of “waste” — any materials unused and rejected as worthless or unwanted

From this reading “The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.”

All words in this reading · 105

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading There were, however, found many youth of the country ardently attached to this sport, with all its dangers and fatigues.

alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

ardentlyadverbUS /ˈɑːrdəntli/

in an ardent manner

From this reading There were, however, found many youth of the country ardently attached to this sport, with all its dangers and fatigues.

attachedadjectiveUS /əˈtætʃt/

being joined in close association

From this reading There were, however, found many youth of the country ardently attached to this sport, with all its dangers and fatigues.

bleakadjectiveUS /bliːk/

offering little or no hope

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

boastedverbUS /ˈboʊstəd/

past form of “boast” — show off

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

BordernounUS /ˈbɔːrdər/

a line that indicates a boundary

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Will none but Hearne the Hunter serve your turn?

calledverbUS /kɔːld/

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

countrynounUS /ˈkʌntri/

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading There were, however, found many youth of the country ardently attached to this sport, with all its dangers and fatigues.

dangersnounUS /ˈdeɪndʒərz/

plural of “danger” — the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury

From this reading There were, however, found many youth of the country ardently attached to this sport, with all its dangers and fatigues.

deernounUS /dɪr/

distinguished from Bovidae by the male's having solid deciduous antlers

From this reading The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.

deer-stalking

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

descentnounUS /dɪˈsent/

An action of moving downward, dropping, or falling into a deeper place.

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

districtsnounUS /ˈdɪstrɪkts/

plural of “district” — a region marked off for administrative or other purposes

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

drawnadjectiveUS /drɔːn/

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

Elliot

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

equallyadverbUS /ˈiːkwəli/

to the same degree (often followed by “as”)

From this reading The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.

farmernounUS /ˈfɑːrmər/

a person who operates a farm

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

fatiguesnounUS /fəˈtiːɡz/

military uniform worn by military personnel when doing menial labor

From this reading There were, however, found many youth of the country ardently attached to this sport, with all its dangers and fatigues.

fewadjectiveUS /fjuː/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.

foundverbUS /faʊnd/

set up or found

From this reading There were, however, found many youth of the country ardently attached to this sport, with all its dangers and fatigues.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

Halbert

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

Hearne

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Will none but Hearne the Hunter serve your turn?

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

herdsnounUS /hɜːrdz/

plural of “herd” — a group of cattle or sheep or other domestic mammals all of the same kind that are herded by humans

From this reading The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

Hobbie

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading There were, however, found many youth of the country ardently attached to this sport, with all its dangers and fatigues.

HunternounUS /ˈhʌntər/

someone who hunts game

From this reading Will none but Hearne the Hunter serve your turn?

idealadjectiveUS /aɪˈdiːl/

conforming to an ultimate standard of perfection or excellence; embodying an ideal

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

inaccessibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnəkˈsesəbəl/

capable of being reached only with great difficulty or not at all

From this reading The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading There were, however, found many youth of the country ardently attached to this sport, with all its dangers and fatigues.

kingdomnounUS /ˈkɪŋdəm/

a domain in which something is dominant

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

landnounUS /lænd/

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

linenounUS /laɪn/

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

loftyadjectiveUS /ˈlɔːfti/

of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

mannounUS /mæn/

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading There were, however, found many youth of the country ardently attached to this sport, with all its dangers and fatigues.

MartinnounUS /ˈmɑːrtən/

French bishop who is a patron saint of France (died in 397)

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

MERRYadjectiveUS /ˈmeri/

full of or showing high-spirited merriment

From this reading --MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR.

mostadverbUS /moʊst/

used to form the superlative

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

mountainsnounUS /ˈmaʊntənz/

plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

nonepronounUS /nʌn/

not one, and not any

From this reading Will none but Hearne the Hunter serve your turn?

notedadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊtəd/

widely known and esteemed

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

nowadverbUS /naʊ/

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.

numerousadjectiveUS /ˈnuːmərəs/

amounting to a large indefinite number

From this reading The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading --MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR.

oldadjectiveUS /oʊld/

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

onceadverbUS /wʌns/

on one occasion

From this reading The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

Preakin-tower

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

precariousadjectiveUS /priˈkeriəs/

affording no ease or reassurance

From this reading The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.

pursuingadjectiveUS /pərˈsuːɪŋ/

following in order to overtake or capture or as accompaniment to such pursuit

From this reading The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.

recessesnounUS /ˈriːsesəz/

plural of “recess” — a state of abeyance or suspended business

From this reading The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.

reducedadjectiveUS /rəˈduːst/

made less in size or amount or degree

From this reading The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.

remoteadjectiveUS /rɪˈmoʊt/

located far away spatially

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

renderedverbUS /ˈrendərd/

past form of “render” — cause to become

From this reading The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.

returnverbUS /rɪˈtɜːrn/

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

ScotlandnounUS /ˈskɑːtlənd/

one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; located on the northern part of the island of Great Britain; famous for bagpipes and plaids and kilts

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

separatesnounUS /ˈsepəreɪts/

plural of “separate” — a separately printed article that originally appeared in a larger publication

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

serveverbUS /sɜːrv/

serve a purpose, role, or function

From this reading Will none but Hearne the Hunter serve your turn?

shelteringverbUS /ˈʃeltərɪŋ/

-ing form of “shelter” — provide shelter for

From this reading The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.

sisternounUS /ˈsɪstər/

a female person who has the same parents as another person

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.

solitaryadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːləteri/

characterized by or preferring solitude

From this reading The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.

songnounUS /sɔːŋ/

a short musical composition with words

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

southnounUS /saʊθ/

the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

sportnounUS /spɔːrt/

an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition

From this reading There were, however, found many youth of the country ardently attached to this sport, with all its dangers and fatigues.

storynounUS /ˈstɔːri/

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

substantialadjectiveUS /səbˈstænʃəl/

of considerable importance, size, or worth

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

tasknounUS /tæsk/

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading Will none but Hearne the Hunter serve your turn?

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.

themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.

ThereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading There were, however, found many youth of the country ardently attached to this sport, with all its dangers and fatigues.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading There were, however, found many youth of the country ardently attached to this sport, with all its dangers and fatigues.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.

toilsomeadjective

characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion; especially physical effort

From this reading The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.

topsadjectiveUS /tɑːps/

of the highest quality

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

turnverbUS /tɜːrn/

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading Will none but Hearne the Hunter serve your turn?

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

wastesnounUS /weɪsts/

plural of “waste” — any materials unused and rejected as worthless or unwanted

From this reading The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading The deer, once so numerous among these solitary wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

Willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading Will none but Hearne the Hunter serve your turn?

WINDSORnounUS /ˈwɪnzər/

a city in southeastern Ontario on the Detroit River opposite Detroit

From this reading --MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading There were, however, found many youth of the country ardently attached to this sport, with all its dangers and fatigues.

WIVESnounUS /waɪvz/

plural of “wife” — a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading --MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR.

youngadjectiveUS /jʌŋ/

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his return from deer-stalking.

yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Will none but Hearne the Hunter serve your turn?

youthnounUS /juːθ/

a young person (especially a young man or boy)

From this reading There were, however, found many youth of the country ardently attached to this sport, with all its dangers and fatigues.

Chapter 2 of The Black Dwarf by Walter Scott holds 83 sentences, grouped into 17 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 2 of The Black Dwarf contain?

Chapter 2 holds 83 sentences of The Black Dwarf, unabridged, divided into 17 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 2 of The Black Dwarf by Walter Scott exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 83 sentences, grouped into 17 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 2 of The Black Dwarf?

Work through the 17 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 17 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 2 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 2 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading The Black Dwarf

Common questions about reading The Black Dwarf by Walter Scott on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Black Dwarf?

Yes. All 1832 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #1460 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Black Dwarf is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #1460, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Black Dwarf take to read?

About 152 minutes of reading across 367 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Black Dwarf section by section

How to work through The Black Dwarf section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 18 chapters of The Black Dwarf to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in The Black Dwarf

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Black Dwarf, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Preliminary
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Black Dwarf; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Philosophy
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Black Dwarf; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Shepherd
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Black Dwarf; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
April
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Black Dwarf; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.